Question:
I have a Nitro 882nx DC with a Merc OptiMax, and I am beginning to wonder if
I can get a bit better performance with a different prop.
Currently runs about 60 in good water with the bow trimmed up, but Nitro's
literature suggests 64-65 can be expected.
anybody know where to start looking for information regarding propping out a
bass boat properly? and wher to find accessory ?
Answer:
-64-65 with a driver, half tank of gas, and no gear. If you are loaded and
getting 60 your boat is propped just right.
-I've setup and rigged about 30 or so 882's over the past two years, and some
guys liked the factory setup just fine, some didn't. The ones who didn't we
went to work on to find the optimum prop/motor height/accessory combo which
produced the best results.
I'm by no means saying this is the best possible, because someone might come
up with something even better, it's just my own experience with that
particular boat/motor combo.
-I have a 17' Ranger with a 115 that I bought used. The prop I got with it
is a 4 blade stainless that had a 21 inch pitch. I was getting about 48mph
top speed with my normal load of fuel, gear and 2 anglers. At the time I
was only getting about 5100 rpm where my motor is rated to go to 5500.
After discussing the situation with guys in my fishing club and a couple of
prop guys, I had the prop modified to lessen the pitch by one inch. The
cost was about $100 but I also had some minor dings removed and the like.
The end result was a max rpm of 5500, top speed of about 52 and twice the
hole shot. I think the real issue is weather or not your getting the full
rpm at top speed, often this will tell you if the pitch is right for your
setup.
